Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

First KMA Envoy bumper suggestions

Any special projects involving a decent amount of fab work (bumpers, sliders, roof racks, etc)

by Jimbo121 » Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:03 pm

Ok, Fellas with the heavy bumpers! now that you have them on your ride what are the pros/cons. I am getting the first KMA bumper for my 03 Envoy and would like to know what I should make sure to have incorporated into it.

Jim Francis :idea:


Lifted but not moded.JPG




full frontal starting.JPG
Attachments
Lifted but not moded.JPG
[color=#4000FF] some days your the predator, some days your the prey!!!
User avatar
Jimbo121
Member
 
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:14 am
Location: TX, San Antonio
Name: Jim
Vehicle Year: 2003
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by bartonmd » Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:06 pm

KMA is making an Envoy bumper, now?
bartonmd
Moderator
 
Posts: 4469
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am
Location: IN, Indianapolis
Name: Mike
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Trail X » Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:33 pm

Be sure to have the basic essential - clevis tabs (make sure they are in-line with the frame mounts, it's strongest that way). Other than that, have it done to your preference. I really like the Hella Micro DE fog lights I have (Kyle should have all the information for them). I also am a big advocate of a receiver tube - if you're not going with a hard-mounted winch. If you get a receiver tube, make sure they give you some access holes in the center area of the bumper so you can run wiring through it.

Otherwise - just make sure it isn't too wide. KMA's first TB bumper was about 5" too wide for the body.

Good luck with the endeavor.

(Mike, KMA has been requesting an Envoy to work with for a few years now.)
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9935
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by bartonmd » Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:41 pm

JamesDowning wrote:(Mike, KMA has been requesting an Envoy to work with for a few years now.)


Interesting... They're in the same boat as I am, then... I'd have an Envoy bumper made by now, but have no access to a non-body-lifted Envoy, locally...

I just didn't expect they'd dabble in a market this small...

Mike
bartonmd
Moderator
 
Posts: 4469
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am
Location: IN, Indianapolis
Name: Mike
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Jimbo121 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:09 am

Hell, Indiana is a lot closer then GA. Wish I had known thanks james, I'm leaving St Louis tomorrow morning should be meeting Kyle late afternoon or Saturday.
[color=#4000FF] some days your the predator, some days your the prey!!!
User avatar
Jimbo121
Member
 
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:14 am
Location: TX, San Antonio
Name: Jim
Vehicle Year: 2003
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by Hpimichael02 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:23 pm

i loved my hard mounted winch and looked better IMO , but teh bumper is a beast and if your stock height expect to drop 1-2" with out a spacer or stiffer springs...

and i dont know what happened with james bumper but mine was a perfect fit no trimming at all, i think the hard winch mount style like i had is the perfect fit cause every one that has the receiver tube has had to re cut and shrink down a bit like james did... cause that style isnt as deep(sticks out less) which they probly kept the same size metal and just made it like that ...that would explain why it was to wide
Hpimichael02
Trail-Blazer
 
Posts: 275
Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 5:20 pm
Name: Mike mcd
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

by Trail X » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:46 pm

It was too wide before I ordered mine. I helped Kyle correct the width for future orders.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9935
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by DmccartneyFF2TB » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:17 pm

I love how those bumpers come out. James bumper looks great with the gaurd that he put on it.
Dame
BDS,ROUGH COUNTRY,
Smitty Build XR-C8 Winch
33" Procomp M/T X MARK SPACERS.
Only Blue lifted 2002 Trailblazer in WMASS.
www.wm4x4.com
DmccartneyFF2TB
Trail-Blazer
 
Posts: 447
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:03 am
Location: Wilbraham MA
Name: Damian
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by The Roadie » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:50 pm

I almost had an Envoy guy local to them rent a car for a week at my expense (4 years ago), so they could measure it up and fab one. Then it ended up being more than a week and my contact couldn't do it. I looked at the expense of shipping the Roadiemobile out there, but KMA's reputation for slow delivery and lack of communication got me pushed over the edge into finding a local fabricator. But doing my single bumper burned him out on bumpers, and he'll sell the CAD designs for $200, if anybody wants to clone mine. But it's a work of solid art, much more so than a normal offroad bumper.
User avatar
The Roadie
Founder
 
Posts: 5011
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:29 pm
Location: CA, Vista, San Diego County
Name: Bill Carton
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Expedition Guide

by DmccartneyFF2TB » Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:24 pm

What's the wait time on one of these?
Dame
BDS,ROUGH COUNTRY,
Smitty Build XR-C8 Winch
33" Procomp M/T X MARK SPACERS.
Only Blue lifted 2002 Trailblazer in WMASS.
www.wm4x4.com
DmccartneyFF2TB
Trail-Blazer
 
Posts: 447
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:03 am
Location: Wilbraham MA
Name: Damian
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Jimbo121 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:05 pm

I'm leaving my ride there for two weeks, works for Mr cause I have another vehicle to drive and I'm off work every other weekend, I assume that once it is fabricated they could turn them out a little faster. I'll ask Kyle tonight.
[color=#4000FF] some days your the predator, some days your the prey!!!
User avatar
Jimbo121
Member
 
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:14 am
Location: TX, San Antonio
Name: Jim
Vehicle Year: 2003
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by DmccartneyFF2TB » Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:23 pm

Wow! thats fast. Whats he charging you for it?
Dame
BDS,ROUGH COUNTRY,
Smitty Build XR-C8 Winch
33" Procomp M/T X MARK SPACERS.
Only Blue lifted 2002 Trailblazer in WMASS.
www.wm4x4.com
DmccartneyFF2TB
Trail-Blazer
 
Posts: 447
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:03 am
Location: Wilbraham MA
Name: Damian
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by bartonmd » Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:37 pm

Jimbo121 wrote:I'm leaving my ride there for two weeks, works for Mr cause I have another vehicle to drive and I'm off work every other weekend, I assume that once it is fabricated they could turn them out a little faster. I'll ask Kyle tonight.


If they've expanded or work has slowed down, that's great, but what I've heard in the past is 3-6 months.

Mike
bartonmd
Moderator
 
Posts: 4469
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am
Location: IN, Indianapolis
Name: Mike
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Jon A » Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:47 pm

When I ordered mine he asked if I wanted “wide” or “narrow,” stating the wide might be OK if you want to do a complete wraparound grillguard but that was about the only use for it. So be sure to specify “narrow.”

I really, really, like having the lights in mine so I’d recommend even if you can’t afford or don’t want to buy the lights themselves now order the bumper with openings made for them. They’re a PITA to do yourself. As mentioned don’t forget clevis mounts. And of course even if you think there’s only a chance you’ll get a winch in the future, I’d encourage you to select that option. Since I believe the inboard ends of the wings end up in the same place I don’t believe you gain any useful amount of approach angle by not getting it.

The pics of the grillguard on that site (of TB’s at least) aren’t that inspiring so if you want a grill guard I’d say either have somebody else custom do it or give very specific instructions/drawings of how you want it done (might rack up some big $$$ though).

Good luck! You’ll love it. Oh, I recommend a radiator skid from Mike—immediately if you don’t at least have the stock one.
Jon A
Member
 
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Jun 16, 2010 4:59 am
Location: Everett, WA
Name: Jon Aadland
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by Trail X » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:25 pm

The pics of the grillguard on that site (of TB’s at least) aren’t that inspiring


I dunno, I kinda like that black one. ;)

Jon A wrote:Oh, I recommend a radiator skid from Mike—immediately if you don’t at least have the stock one.


Mike, is your design compatible with the KMA mount?
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9935
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by bartonmd » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:30 pm

JamesDowning wrote:
Jon A wrote:Oh, I recommend a radiator skid from Mike—immediately if you don’t at least have the stock one.


Mike, is your design compatible with the KMA mount?


I'm not sure, as I haven't seen the under side of the mounting for the KMA, for my standard one (though it very possibly could work)... Could always do one like your original design, that I made for you and JonA, if not...

Mike
bartonmd
Moderator
 
Posts: 4469
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am
Location: IN, Indianapolis
Name: Mike
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Trail X » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:35 pm

bartonmd wrote:... Could always do one like your original design, that I made for you and JonA, if not...


Do I get a commission? :raspberry: :lol:
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9935
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by bartonmd » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:47 pm

JamesDowning wrote:
bartonmd wrote:... Could always do one like your original design, that I made for you and JonA, if not...


Do I get a commission? :raspberry: :lol:


Absolutely, but you have to hold your breath for it... :finger:
bartonmd
Moderator
 
Posts: 4469
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am
Location: IN, Indianapolis
Name: Mike
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by vagator » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:27 pm

Jim,
This is great news. I have an Envoy as well, for those who think trailblazers are not well supported, think about us folks who have the "red headed" stepchild. No disrespect to our own pioneer, the Roadie.

Looking forward to the results. I'll be in line for the second copy. Take care.
vagator
Cruiser
 
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:02 pm
Name: Chuck
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD

by Jimbo121 » Sun Jan 09, 2011 5:30 pm

Ok, dropped it off and have given my instructions...... Lets see what happens.

DmccartneyFF2TB
I asked Kyle what the turn around will be after the prototype and he said they are back up a tad but it should be three weeks with shipping.

I am the guinea pig for the project so I believe I am only paying for the extras. Donation is the best nation in the world. :excited:

JD, I am going with the 5in 100 watt in the bumper and LightForce 240 blitz lights above the winch. I don't know but Kyle had his demo truck at his house when I dropped off mine. He while checking out his truck I noticed he had a mod on his bumper which was the radiator skid. I am having him make the skid for mine and I am trying for a KMA oil pan skid...... we shall see what happens with that. I also have the SLT Envoy which has the turning lights **** fu fu extra, but I like it**** so I was looking at a small led for that location on the side.

If anyone is looking at LEDs Kyle had a light bar on his truck and damn they were bright. Don't know if the price is worth it but they were bright.

I will have pictures up as soon as I can :flex dirty: :cheers:
[color=#4000FF] some days your the predator, some days your the prey!!!
User avatar
Jimbo121
Member
 
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:14 am
Location: TX, San Antonio
Name: Jim
Vehicle Year: 2003
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

Next

Return to Fab Work